SB2424

Report Title:

Vocational-Technical Education; DOE

Description:

Appropriates funds for the DOE, on the recommendation of the incentive and innovation grant award panel, to award competitive grants for the purposes of funding the further development, improvement, and enlargement of exemplary vocational-technical education programs. Appropriates $1,000,000 for FY 2002-2003.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2424
TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to vocational-technical education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. (a) The department of education, on the recommendation of the incentive and innovation grant award panel established under section 302A-301, Hawaii Revised Statutes, may award competitive grants for the purposes of funding the further development, improvement, and enlargement of exemplary vocational-technical education programs.

(b) The department of education, with the assistance of the incentive and innovation grant award panel, shall establish criteria for identifying exemplary vocational-technical education programs. The criteria shall be based upon such factors as positive student outcomes relative to the program, the qualifications of teachers in the program, the adequacy of program facilities, stable or increased student demand for the program, and effective partnering with community colleges and trade groups.

(1) A clear statement of how the proposed program will improve student outcomes;

(2) A method of evaluation to determine if the program has achieved its stated goals;

(3) A detailed budget and expenditure plan, which shall include any commitment of existing funds under the school or schools' allotment toward the proposed program; and

(4) Other criteria required by the department of education.

(d) At a minimum, all vocational-technical education grant programs shall be required to provide opportunities for service learning and internships, and to develop career pathways; provided that a program may not require a student to abandon a standard college preparatory curriculum in order to participate in the program.

(e) In the case of a renewal request, a school or schools shall submit a specific plan for the further development, improvement, and enlargement of the vocational-technical education program within the school or schools' biennium budget.

(f) The incentive and innovation grant award panel shall assist the department of education in the evaluation of all vocational-technical education grant programs under this Act on a continuing basis. If an approved program fails to meet the requirements of its proposal, the grant award panel shall recommend to the department that funding for the grant should be terminated.

(g) The superintendent of education shall submit a report to the legislature on the operations of the incentive and innovation grant award panel relative to the vocational-technical education grant program under this Act at least twenty days before the convening of each regular session.

SECTION 2. The department of education shall adopt rules under chapter 91 to give priority consideration for geographic exception to applicants requesting an exception to participate in an exemplary vocational-technical education program.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003, to carry out the purposes of this Act. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2002.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________